Pope camp house

      Truth time: I wanted to pin these pictures to pinterest, and you're not allowed to pin from facebook. But who knows, one of the 3 people who read this blog may also be interested to look at them. They are from my family's camp in Marengo County, Alabama. The house was my grandfather's barn in the days where keeping cattle was one of the family interests. Eventually he moved away from that, but the barn remained. It has survived a lot, from Hurricane Frederick to Hurricane Katrina, and yet still it stands. The property has been a central location for cook outs and campfires for as long as I can remember, but when my grandfather passed away in 2002 a different idea began to take shape. When Hurricane Ivan ripped through Alabama in 2004, it downed more than 20 trees on the property, and my family had the idea to use the downed trees to make wood. With that wood the barn was converted into a fully functioning house that serves as a home away from home for us. It has a special meaning for my family, and serves as a wonderful place to remember my grandfather. 

Stupid Cupid

I have always been one of those girls to say, "I hate Valentine's Day. It's so stupid. I don't need Hallmark and the florists to tell me when to love my man." In years past, even when I had a boyfriend I would say these things because it made me feel like a rebel. The kind of girl who thinks her own thoughts and does her own thing. It wasn't until yesterday that I realized that this line of thought is cliché after all. I saw more tweets and facebook posts about "single awareness day" and "I hate Valentine's" than I did about showing love. And honestly, I'm not the type of person to hate any holiday. I love any reason to bake, decorate, or be festive. I love virtually every other holiday. I'm the kind of girl who still dyes Easter eggs and makes her own Halloween costumes. So I caved and enjoyed Valentine's Day for once. What is wrong with one day a year dedicated to sharing the love and good will you feel for family, friends, and loved ones? You don't even have to spend a lot of money to do it. It doesn't have to be about romantic love either. Sure, I know it is annoying if you say, got a serious sushi craving last night, but realized that going to Chuck's fish alone would be a major bummer (and would involve a long wait), but that's really just a minor annoyance in the grand scheme of things. I think that the people who spiral out of control with the "thanks for reminding me I'm all alone, St. Valentine," aren't happy with their relationship statuses every other day of the year either. Looking back, I have had many fun Valentine's Days spent with good girlfriends too. I think that the people who truly loathe Valentine's Day need a little perspective. Just because you're single doesn't mean you're unloved or incomplete.

I propose that next year (assuming the world makes it to 2013) we all get an attitude make over. If you're married or involved with somebody, enjoy the day in a way special to your relationship. If you're single, spend time with good friends or family. If you're bitter, keep it to yourself, get drunk alone and watch bad movies. People are way too whiney on social media these days. Honestly, nobody cares and we all know you're just craving attention. If you have a serious problem, tell your best friend or mother.

As for me, it felt so nice to finally give in and enjoy a nice night. While Terry and I did have a nice Valentine's Day last year, last night was more enjoyable, and I attribute that to finally letting go of all my Valentine's Day ill will. We cooked a great dinner (cream cheese and pepper jelly to start, chicken parmesan, and brownies for dessert), had some wine, listened to some good old music, and just enjoyed each other's company. There were no cards except for a leftover unused puppy Valentine from a box I bought for Halli Grace last year (sorry Hallmark!). There were no overpriced flowers. There was no Whitman's sampler. So, I got to stick to my guns and also just enjoy a good excuse to spend some real time with someone who is very important to me. And I shouldn't have to feel bad about that, whiney facebook status updaters.

Things I see when jogging around Ttown

1. Packs of girls in designer work out gear walking and gossiping. Perfect make up without a trace of sweat
2. Skinny Asian kids with backpacks bigger than they are.
3. Fat, sweaty guys who pass me. Twice. Or more.
4. English springer spaniels in perfectly manicured lawns who bark at me like I stepped on the azaleas or something. I somehow get my second wind in front of these houses.
5. MILFs in black spandex
6. At least one person wearing what I call the "monkey shoes" (aka those stupid looking running shoes with toes)
7. Stray cats
8. Super fratty looking dudes who I assume are coming from class, but never have bookbags
9. Someone I know driving by in a car with whom I fervently avoid making eye contact
10. People who look amused by me
11. People who look like they feel sorry for me
12.Visions of chips and dips dancing in my head

Other related thoughts:
1. I am very out of shape
2. Chuck and Susan, why did y'all have to get married at the beach? I'm staying in a house with 5 boys who, unlike Trerry, are not ready for this jelly, and who will need their eyesight in their legal careers so gouging their eyes out is not an option.
3. I really want some chips.